Glenridding
Glenridding
There is barely a mark on the map to note the location of the small village of Glenridding. With a population of around 500 the village, on the shores of Ullswater, is on paper at least, an unlikely candidate for one of the Lake District’s top tourist towns.
However, its proximity to a number of the national park’s most challenging climbs including Helvellyn & Striding Edge, has led to Glenridding becoming, during the summer months, a bustling hub of visitors.
Top Glenridding Hotels
Glenridding is a picturesque village on the southern edge of Ullswater. Located in the heart of the Lake District, the area is well-known for walkers and for those wishing to conquer the famous Helvellyn peak. Below we take a look at our top picks for where to stay in Glenridding with amazing views of Ullswater and the fells.
Glenridding House
History
Glenridding owes much of its existence to the Greenside Mine, a lead mine that operated from the latter half of the 1700s until its closure in 1962. The mine ran through a ridge of the Green Side fell and at one point was producing more lead ore than any other mine in the UK. Workers were initially brought in from nearby towns and villages but as the mine’s profits grew, a small development was created providing houses for workers that is now known as Glenridding.
After the mine closed many of the mining buildings were demolished, although the Youth Hostel is housed in a former mining bunkhouse located 963ft up Helvellyn. The village struggled with high unemployment but recovered as more and more tourists began visiting the Lake District, drawn to Glenridding’s spectacular scenery and thrilling climbs, as well as its port for the Ullswater Steamers.
Shopping
There are very few shops in Glenridding, but if you find yourself short on supplies for a fell walk you will be able find most of what you need in the handful of shops that are present. The locally owned Catstycam Outdoor Shop has a branch here and stocks a good selection of technical outdoor equipment.
The village General Store sells all manner of goods including groceries, maps, and books. There is also a small petrol station with a breakdown garage in case you find yourself with a motoring emergency. In addition, there are a number of pubs in Glenridding where you can enjoy a well-earned pint after defeating Striding Edge.
Key Attractions
Helvellyn Range
If indoor attractions are what makes you tick, then Glenridding is probably best avoided. The village’s location at the foot of the Helvellyn range is what makes it such an attractive place for tourists. From here you can ascend England’s third highest mountain, Helvellyn, and if you are feeling brave you can attempt to cross the Striding Edge and Swirral Edge ridges, both of which have sheer drops either side and are not for the faint-hearted.
Glenridding is located on the shores of Ullswater, the Lake District’s second largest lake, and from the village you can hop onto a steamer to take a cruise to the village of Pooley Bridge at the other end of the lake. You will also find the Glenridding Sailing Centre here, where you can hire a wide range of boats including canoes and traditional sailing boats, and receive tuition from expert staff.
Getting There
By Car – Exit the M6 at Junction 40 and at the roundabout take the A66 Workington / Whitehaven exit. At the second roundabout take the A592 exit signposted for Ullswater. This scenic route will take you along the lake shores before reaching the village. There is a large car park adjacent to the Ullswater Visitor Centre.
By Public Transport – A two hourly bus services operate between Penrith Rail Station which is on the West Coast Main Line and Bowness, calling at Glenridding, stopping at the steamer port.